Pasay City is the quintessential gateway to Manila. It's home to the country's major international airport (NAIA), the colossal SM Mall of Asia (MOA), and major bus and train terminals.
For the budget traveler, finding a cheap yet comfortable place to crash is a necessity.
Forget the overpriced luxury resorts in Entertainment City!
✈️ Group 1: The Airport Transit Heroes (Near NAIA)
If your priority is a quick, painless commute to or from the airport (especially NAIA Terminals 3 and 4), these hotels offer the best time and value.
1. DG Budget Hotel Salem
The reliable choice for a quick turnover.
| Details | Traveler Insight |
| Why it's Budget-Friendly | Directly located on Domestic Road, minimizing Grab/taxi fare to the airport. Very simple, no-frills accommodation. |
| Rooms & Comfort | Rooms are small but generally clean and air-conditioned. It's built for convenience and sleeping, not lounging. |
| Surrounding Area | Located within the Salem Complex, which hosts small eateries and shops, perfect for a quick midnight snack or a last-minute buy. |
| Best For | Early morning flights, late-night arrivals, or solo travelers who prioritize proximity to NAIA. |
| Average Rate | ₱1,100 to ₱2,000 per night. |
2. RedDoorz Near NAIA Terminal 1 / RedDoorz near Pasay Taft
The absolute cheapest option for a short rest.
| Details | Traveler Insight |
| Why it's Budget-Friendly | RedDoorz specializes in standardizing basic, clean, and extremely affordable rooms. They are often the lowest-priced non-hostel option. |
| Rooms & Comfort | Expect minimal space, but a private room, AC, and a private bath are standard. Reviewers stress it’s a no-frills stay—perfectly functional but nothing more. |
| Best For | The most constrained budget, quick 1-night stays, or backpackers who just need a secure, private room. |
| Average Rate | ₱700 to ₱ 1,200 per night. |
🛍️ Group 2: The City Hub and MOA Access (Near EDSA/Taft and SM Mall of Asia)
This area is perfect if you plan on using Manila's public transport (MRT/LRT) frequently or spending time at the Mall of Asia complex.
3. Kabayan Hotel Pasay
The Filipino Hospitality Pick.
| Details | Traveler Insight |
| Why it's Budget-Friendly | Excellent value for a mid-range budget, offering various room types (Dormitory to Suites) to suit every need. |
| Location & Transport | Highly strategic. Located right on EDSA and a short walk to the MRT Taft Avenue and LRT EDSA stations, providing easy, cheap access to almost all of Metro Manila. It is also a key terminal for provincial buses. |
| Rooms & Comfort | Rooms are clean and well-maintained, often highlighted for having a "homey" feel. They are known for a good, affordable breakfast buffet option. |
| Best For | First-time visitors, travelers needing public transport access, or families looking for clean, reliable value. |
| Average Rate | ₱ 1,800 to ₱ 2,300 per night for private rooms. |
4. Urban Travellers Hotel
The hidden gem with great service.
| Details | Traveler Insight |
| Why it's Budget-Friendly | Travelers consistently praise this hotel for providing quality rooms and excellent service that exceeds its affordable price point. |
| Rooms & Comfort | Rooms are often described as spacious, clean, and comfortable. It sometimes features a small pool, which is a big bonus for a budget hotel. |
| Best For | Guests who prioritize a high level of customer service and cleanliness without paying mid-tier hotel prices. |
| Average Rate | ₱1,000 to ₱1,700 per night. |
5. Copacabana Apartment Hotel
Best for long stays and DIY travelers.
| Details | Traveler Insight |
| Why it's Budget-Friendly | Offers apartment-style rooms with kitchenettes, which is essential for saving money on food during a long stay. |
| Amenities | Features an outdoor pool and is highly valued by families and long-term guests for the ability to cook and do laundry. |
| Best For | Extended stays (weekly/monthly), families, or groups that want self-catering options near the MOA complex. |
| Average Rate | ₱ 2,500 to ₱3,500 per night (but much cheaper on weekly/monthly deals). |
🏠 Group 3: Alternative and Specialty Budget Stays
6. Yamato Hostel
The Modern, Ultra-Affordable Hostel.
| Details | Traveler Insight |
| Why it's Budget-Friendly | Offers super cheap dormitory beds, but its private rooms are also a good deal for the quality. |
| Vibe & Design | Highly-rated for its modern, clean, and thoughtful design. It’s a favorite among solo travelers and digital nomads. |
| Best For | Solo travelers, social travelers, or anyone who doesn't mind a hostel environment for maximum savings. |
| Average Rate | Dorm beds from ₱ 500; Private rooms ₱ 2,000. |
7. SMDC Shell/Sea Residences (Private Rentals)
The Airbnb/Condotel Advantage near MOA.
| Details | Traveler Insight |
| Why it's Budget-Friendly | These are independently managed condo units that are significantly cheaper than the official hotels in the MOA complex. |
| Amenities | Guests get access to fantastic condo amenities like multiple resort-style swimming pools and secure, walk-to-MOA convenience. |
| The Catch | Customer service depends entirely on the unit owner. You must confirm check-in procedures well in advance. |
| Best For | Groups (3+ pax) who can split the cost, or long-stay travelers who want a home base with excellent amenities. |
| Average Rate | ₱ 1,800 to ₱ 2,500 per night for a studio/1-bedroom. |
📌 Traveler's Pasay Budget Booking Tip
Book Flexible: For the best deals, always look for properties offering free cancellation as prices can drop depending on the season and day of the week.
The Cheapest Day: Data shows that Monday is often the cheapest day to book a hotel room in Pasay, while Saturdays are the most expensive.
Best Value Spot: Staying near the EDSA-Taft Rotonda (like Kabayan Hotel) offers the best combination of price and access to the city's main public transport (MRT/LRT/Bus Terminals).
Hidden Costs: Budget hotels sometimes charge extra for simple things like additional towels or late check-out. Confirm all fees at check-in!
🌟 Quick Conclusion: Your Budget Stay in Pasay
For a short conclusion on the best budget hotels in Pasay, it comes down to balancing price, location, and convenience:
For Airport Access (Layovers): The top choice is DG Budget Hotel Salem for its unbeatable proximity and low price, or Holiday Inn Express Newport City for the best mid-range value with a free breakfast near NAIA Terminal 3.
For City & MOA Access (Sightseeing/Shopping): Kabayan Hotel Pasay offers the most strategic location right by the MRT/LRT for easy transit across Manila. Alternatively, look into Urban Travellers Hotel or RedDoorz properties for rock-bottom rates.
For Long Stays/Groups: Consider booking a private unit in the SMDC Sea or Shell Residences via a condotel listing for kitchen access and resort amenities near MOA.
In short, Pasay offers excellent budget options—just choose the area that matches your main travel purpose!